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Scabies.—The number of cases of scabies coming to tlie knowledge of the Department
during the year was 100, a considerable increase on the figures of previous
years. In 1935 the corresponding figure was 64, in 1934 it was 77, in 1933 it was 57
and in 1932 it was 50.
Thirty-nine of this year's cases occurred in Eltham and 61 in the rest of the
Borough. The incidence of the disease per thousand population is much higher,
therefore, in Eltham. It would appear as if the excessive proportion of children on
new housing estates is now producing an increase in the incidence of scabies in the
same way, as has been noted on many occasions in the past, the incidence of the
common infectious diseases was increased. On the other hand undetected and
untreated cases in adults present a great difficulty in the satisfactory control of
scabies.
It is not so easy to cure an Eltham child, two main difficulties standing in the
way. From the middle of Eltham to the cleansing station at Plumstead is over 3
miles each way, so that the cost of transport of an infected family is considerable and
each journey takes much more time. For these reasons the treatment is irregular
and often inadequate.
Arrangements for the establishment of a branch cleansing station at Eltham for
the treatment of verminous conditions, including scabies, were under consideration
at the end of the year.
Bed-bug Infestation.—A report on the disinfestation of bug-infested premises
and furniture and the methods adopted to prevent the infestation of new prennsts
will be found in Section IV.